1. Nitrogen Problem Excessive nitrogen (N) from a variety of sources has led to decreases in the environmental quality of coastal rivers, ponds, and harbors in many communities in southeastern Massachusetts.* In the coastal waters of Massachusetts the problems include: Loss of eelgrass beds, which are critical habitats for aquatic life Periodic extreme decreases in dissolved oxygen concentrations that threaten aquatic life Reductions in the diversity of animal populations Periodic algae blooms * Source: Nantucket Harbor Embayment System Total Maximum Daily Loads For Total Nitrogen Report # 97-TMDL-2

2. These are actual algae blooms in Hummock Pond

3. Nitrogen Background Nitrogen in the form of Nitrates, Nitrites, and Ammonium are a byproduct of digestion, and chemical processes. These, in the presence of water, can provide nutrients to algae and other toxic organisms that hurt water quality. The sources of N from the watershed include: Septic systems Runoff Fertilizers Natural background

4. Nantucket Harbor Nitrogen * Source: Nantucket Harbor Embayment System Total Maximum Daily Loads For Total Nitrogen Report # 97-TMDL-2

5. Total Nitrogen Load 149.51 kg of nitrogen per day is dumped into the Nantucket Harbor System from all sources ~14.95 kg of that nitrogen is from Wastewater, Fertilizer, and other Runoff Measured as Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

6. That’s the equivalent to about a bag of concrete every other day. Or about 3 pallets of concrete poured down the drain per year!

7. So, what can we do? Lower the concentrations of N by reducing the loadings from on-site subsurface wastewater disposal (septic) systems, runoff, and fertilizers. Multiple strategies, proposed by Nantucket to reduce these N Loadings: Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Septic Systems Increased fertilizer management Sewering Storm water controls

8. Septic System Overview Sewer Line Septic Tank Distribution Box Drain Field

9. Septic Tank Make sure that the tank is not installed backwards!

10. Board of Health Wastewater Regulations

11. Regulations Overview All systems within a watershed are restricted to 110 gallons per day of effluent flow for every 10,000 square feet of land with no bedroom credits allowed (4 bedrooms per acre maximum) Watersheds: Nantucket Harbor Hummock Pond Madaket Harbor All failed systems within a watershed must upgrade to an Innovative/Alternative system as defined by Title 5 (310 CMR 15.00) All systems within a sewer district must connect to sewer within an allotted timeframe (6 or 24 months depending on system location)

12. Why Innovative/Alternative? All approved I/A systems reduce the amount of Nitrogen in the effluent by at least 50% Coupled with flow restrictions, the denitrification can provide a minimum of 66% denitrification of effluent flow I/A systems require operation and maintenance agreements that ensure proper function; resulting in less burden on town services

13. Fertilizer Management Board of Health Regulation 75.00 “Fertilizer Regulations” Requires that all professional fertilizer application be performed by a licensed applicator. Each applicator must go through a fertilizer class and follow the “Fertilizer Best Management Practices”

14. Fertilizer Licensing Class Schedule March 17, 2015 - 9AM Dreamland Theater - Core Best Management Practices April 17, 2015 - 9AM Training Room Public Safety Facility April 24, 2015 - 9AM Community Room Public Safety Facility May 1st, 2015 - 9AM Community Room Public Safety Facility

15. Fertilizer Class Agenda Background Soil types Soil Testing Calculations (area, dilutions, Maximum use) Best Management practices

16. Fertilizer License Must be carried by all fertilizer applicants at all times.

17. Expected improvements Over the course of the next year: Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff and leach into the watershed areas Reduced TMDL numbers Nitrogen release from sediments Reduced algae blooms Safe water

18. More Information

19. Nantucket Health Department 3 East Chestnut St (NRTA building) Nantucket, MA 02554 Phone: 508-228-7200 Fax: 508-325-6117 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.